The letters deal with the philosophy and theology taught in Tübingen. Evidence of this background is provided in an abundance of explanatory annotations, as is the evidence of Spinozas influence. It is due to this historical-critical edition that Schellings position can be understood precisely for the first time. Five different versions were used for the text structure of the ›Philosophische Briefe‹ (Philosophical Letters). In the ›Deduction des Naturrechts‹ (Deduction of Natural Law), Schelling only mentions a single name, contrary to his previous practice. It is established in the editorial report that he was familiar with the names of the important teachers of natural law of his time. The volume concludes with the first complete reprint of the ›Anti-Critique‹ in a collected edition – including the critique which instigated it.